A typical 7-day Hawaii vacation is a casual, warm-weather trip, so pack lightweight clothing, two swimsuits, comfortable walking shoes, sandals, sun protection, a light rain jacket and one warm layer if you plan to visit Haleakalā, Mauna Kea or another high-elevation area. Most travelers do not need formal clothing for Hawaii.

Hawaii Packing List at a Glance

Category What to Pack
Clothing 5 to 7 lightweight tops, 3 to 4 pairs of shorts or casual bottoms, 1 to 2 casual evening outfits
Swimwear 2 swimsuits, a cover-up and a rash guard
Shoes Sandals, comfortable sneakers and hiking shoes if needed
Weather layers Lightweight rain jacket and warm fleece or sweatshirt
Sun protection Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Beach gear Reusable water bottle, dry bag, beach bag and waterproof phone pouch
Hiking gear Small backpack, trail shoes, snacks, water, flashlight and basic first-aid supplies
Travel essentials Identification, medications, chargers, travel insurance details and reservations

What Clothes Should You Pack for Hawaii?

Pack breathable clothing that dries quickly. Cotton shirts, linen, lightweight athletic clothing and loose-fitting shorts all work well in warm weather.

For one week, bring:

  • 5 to 7 lightweight shirts
  • 3 to 4 pairs of shorts or casual trousers
  • 1 pair of lightweight long pants
  • 1 to 2 casual dresses, skirts or evening outfits
  • 1 light sweater, fleece or sweatshirt
  • 1 lightweight rain jacket or poncho
  • 2 swimsuits
  • 1 swimsuit cover-up
  • 5 to 7 pairs of underwear
  • 3 to 5 pairs of socks
  • Sleepwear
  • A small laundry bag

Most Hawaii restaurants and resorts are casual. A clean aloha shirt, collared shirt, sundress or smart-casual outfit is usually enough for dinner. Check the dress code before packing formalwear for an upscale restaurant.

Do You Need a Jacket in Hawaii?

Yes, pack a light jacket or rain shell. Tropical showers are common, and conditions can change quickly in mountainous and windward areas.

Bring a warmer fleece, sweatshirt or insulated jacket if you plan to:

  • Watch sunrise at Haleakalā
  • Visit the summit of Mauna Kea
  • Explore high elevations on Hawaiʻi Island
  • Take an early-morning boat tour
  • Camp or spend time outdoors after sunset

Haleakalā's summit can be around 30°F cooler than the coast. Summit temperatures can range from below freezing to approximately 50°F to 65°F.

What Shoes Should You Bring to Hawaii?

Bring two main pairs of shoes:

  1. Comfortable walking shoes or athletic sneakers
  2. Sandals or flip-flops for the beach and hotel

Add hiking shoes if your plans include substantial trails, volcanic terrain or muddy routes. Choose sturdy, broken-in shoes instead of brand-new footwear.

Water shoes can help with rocky beach entries, tide pools and some lava-rock shorelines. They are worth packing if you expect to snorkel from uneven beaches.

Beach and Snorkeling Packing List

For beach days, pack:

  • 2 swimsuits
  • Rash guard or swim shirt
  • Swimsuit cover-up
  • Wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Mineral sunscreen
  • SPF lip balm
  • Quick-drying towel if your accommodation does not provide one
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Small dry bag
  • Beach tote
  • Light snacks

Choose sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate. Hawaiʻi's Division of Aquatic Resources recommends avoiding these ingredients to help protect coral reefs. The agency also warns that "reef-safe" is not a regulated product claim, so check the active ingredients instead of relying on the label.

A long-sleeve rash guard reduces the amount of sunscreen you need and adds protection during snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Hiking Packing List for Hawaii

For short, developed trails, carry:

  • Small daypack
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Water-resistant rain jacket
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Trail snacks
  • Phone with offline maps
  • Small first-aid kit
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Insect repellent
  • Portable battery pack

For longer or remote hikes, bring more food, extra water, a physical trail map and a larger first-aid kit. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park advises hikers to carry water, food, first-aid supplies, a map, a flashlight, sun protection and waterproof clothing.

Do not rely on beach sandals for volcanic trails. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park includes sharp, uneven lava terrain, and the weather can shift from hot and dry to rainy and windy.

What to Pack for Haleakalā or Other High-Elevation Trips

If you are visiting Haleakalā's summit, bring:

  • Warm jacket or fleece
  • Long pants
  • Long-sleeve base layer
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Warm socks
  • Gloves or a light hat
  • Rain shell
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water and food

The summit has intense sun, strong winds, changing clouds and cold temperatures. Haleakalā National Park recommends warm and wet-weather clothing, sturdy shoes, food, water bottles, sun protection and rain gear.

Toiletries and Health Items

Pack:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Moisturizer
  • Aloe or after-sun lotion
  • Prescription medications
  • Motion-sickness medication
  • Basic pain reliever
  • Blister treatment
  • Insect repellent
  • Contact lenses and solution
  • Personal hygiene products

Keep prescription medication in your carry-on. Bring enough for the entire trip, plus a small backup supply if possible.

Electronics and Travel Documents

Bring:

  • Phone
  • Phone charger
  • Portable battery pack
  • Camera and charging cable
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Headphones
  • Driver's license or passport
  • Hotel and rental-car details
  • Health insurance information
  • Copies of important reservations
  • Emergency contact information

A portable battery is useful on long drives, boat trips and hikes where charging may not be available.

Carry-On Packing List for the Flight

Keep these items in your carry-on:

  • Identification and travel documents
  • Prescription medication
  • Wallet and credit cards
  • Phone and charger
  • One change of clothes
  • Swimsuit
  • Essential toiletries
  • Glasses or contact lenses
  • Valuables
  • Travel insurance information

For carry-on liquids, gels, creams and aerosols, TSA's 3-1-1 rule allows containers of 3.4 ounces or less in one quart-sized clear bag per passenger.

What Not to Pack for Hawaii

Avoid filling your suitcase with:

  • Heavy sweaters for a standard beach vacation
  • Multiple pairs of dress shoes
  • Formal clothing unless your hotel or event requires it
  • Too many pairs of sandals
  • Large beach towels if your accommodation provides them
  • Bulky snorkeling equipment if you plan to rent gear
  • Full-size liquid toiletries in your carry-on
  • Brand-new hiking shoes

A practical Hawaii wardrobe covers the beach, sightseeing, casual restaurants and short hikes with lightweight layers. Add specialty equipment only when your itinerary calls for it.

Final Hawaii Packing Checklist

Before you leave, check that you have:

  • Lightweight everyday clothing
  • Two swimsuits
  • Sandals and walking shoes
  • A light rain jacket
  • A warm layer for high elevations
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small daypack
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Prescription medications
  • Chargers and portable battery
  • Identification and reservations

For most weeklong trips, this list covers the basics without overfilling your suitcase. Add hiking equipment, cold-weather layers or specialty water gear only when your plans require them.